Young people who volunteered as sports coaches in their free time were today congratulated by the Minister for Education and Children and Sure Isle of Man.

The 15 to 18-year-olds have completed the 2014/15 Sure Sports Leaders’ Programme, run by the Department of Education and Children’s Sports Development Unit (SDU) and generously sponsored by the telecoms firm.

The 34 teenagers took part in the week-long Sure Sports Young Leaders’ Camp at the National Sports Centre (NSC) in July 2014 and stayed on with the SDU to voluntarily deliver sport to young people across the Island.

Over nine months, they carried out an impressive 1,670 hours’ coaching at schools, community clubs, Manx Sport and Recreation (MSR) activities and primary schools’ sports festivals.

Fourteen of the teenagers completed more than 40 hours’ coaching, which entitles them to a National Governing Body Level 1 coaching award.

Today at the NSC, Alex Jackson, who attends St Ninian’s High School, was named Sure Sports Leader of the Year 2014/15 and was presented with an iPad by Sarah Jarvis, Sure Isle of Man’s Marketing Manager.

Alex will be invited onto the Villa Marina stage at the Isle of Man Sports Awards in March 2016 to receive an award.

Sure also rewards the Sports Leaders who clock up the most hours each school term. Sarah presented Alex, who completed the most hours, 82 in the summer term (189 overall) with a ?100 voucher for Sure. She awarded Patrick Myers, a student at the Isle of Man College of Further and Higher Education, a ?50 voucher for completing 74 hours during the term (184 overall).

Tim Crookall MLC, Minister for Education and Children, said: ‘Children who take up sport can avoid health problems associated with physical inactivity. Being sporty has social benefits and can lead to a lifelong pastime – or even profession if they are talented enough.

‘Working with MSR staff, our Sure Sports Leaders inspire and motivate primary-aged children to take part in and gain confidence in sports.

‘Sure’s support for this programme gives Sports Leaders invaluable coaching experience and primary pupils greater opportunities to take part in sport.’

Sarah said: ‘These selfless young people devote time to the Sure Sports Leaders Programme at a time when they have to study for exams and have many other commitments. The skills they learn will embellish their CVs when they apply to university or seek work.

‘Sure has long supported the Primary Schools’ Sports Programme that runs through the school year and our sponsorship of the Sports Leaders’ Programme complements it perfectly.’

Recruitment for the 2016/2017 Sure Sports Leaders’ Programme will begin in February, when Year 11 (15 and 16-year-old) students will receive presentations in school assemblies.

For further information on the Sure Sports Leaders’ Programme, contact Emma Callow, Community Sports Development Officer, on 01624 688557 or email her via Emma.Callow@gov.im.  

Photo - left to right - Sarah Jarvis, Marketing Manager, Sure Isle of Man; Patrick Myers, Alex Jackson and Tim Crookall MLC, Minister for Education and Children.